Men’s faces convey information about their bodies and their behavior: What you see is what you get

Original article:

Men’s faces convey information about their bodies and their behavior: What you see is what you get

Evolutionary Psychology 6(3): 469-479 Melanie L. Shoup, Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USAGordon G. Gallup, Jr., Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA, gallup@albany.edu

Abstract

We investigated whether men’s faces contain embedded cues that signal differences in individual fitness. Data on shoulder-to-hip ratios (SHR), grip strength, sexual history, and facial photographs were collected from male college students. Female college students rated the photographs for attractiveness We found a striking relationship between ratings of facial attractiveness and body morphology. Males with attractive faces had significantly more masculine, wedge-shaped SHRs. Ratings of facial attractiveness accounted for over 25% of the variance in this sexually dimorphic dimension of male body configuration. Male students with attractive faces also had higher grip strength scores, and more sexual partners. These findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence showing that facial features contain important cues to fitness and hormonal status.

Keywords

male facial attractiveness, shoulder-to-hip ratios, grip strength, sexual history

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